Prohibition of Offensive Nicknames and Name-Distortion in IslamWritten by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Mocking Names and Using Offensive Labels in Islam
In Islam, distorting someone’s name, calling them with undesirable nicknames, or mocking their identity is considered a grave sin. This behavior goes against the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, undermines a person’s honor and dignity, and contributes to social discord and division.
➊ Clear Prohibition in the Qur’an
Surah al-Ḥujurāt (49:11):
"O you who have believed! Let not a people ridicule another people — perhaps they may be better than them — nor let women ridicule other women — perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another, nor call each other by offensive nicknames. Evil is the name of wickedness after faith. And whoever does not repent — then it is those who are the wrongdoers."
This powerful verse forbids mocking, insulting, and calling people with hurtful nicknames, emphasizing that such behavior is unbefitting for believers and leads to injustice and sin.➋ Condemnation in the Hadith
1. Abū al-Dardāʾ (رضي الله عنه) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"The most despicable people in the sight of Allah on the Day of Judgment will be those who used to call others by offensive nicknames in the world."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
This ḥadīth highlights the seriousness of mocking or labeling others and warns of severe consequences in the Hereafter.2. Narrated by ʿĀʾishah (رضي الله عنها):
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Avoid distorting people’s names, for it breeds hatred in the hearts."
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd)
This ḥadīth clarifies that altering or mocking names causes emotional harm and resentment, which contradicts the ethics of a healthy Islamic society.✔ Summary
According to Qur’anic and Prophetic teachings, it is strictly prohibited to:
- Distort someone’s name
- Use insulting or degrading nicknames
- Ridicule someone based on name, appearance, or background
These actions are not only sinful but also harm interpersonal relations and destroy mutual respect. Every Muslim is obligated to preserve the dignity of others and promote a climate of love and honor in society.
Supplication
May Allah protect our tongues from hurtful speech and grant us the ability to honor one another with kindness and respect. Āmīn.
